292 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



zigzags to a great distance from one point to another,, 

 but from past experience we attached no importance to 

 it. The mansion of matting was found much too stuffy 

 to remain in, and we therefore had the tent pitched just 

 outside the village, and Ranfurly having joined us before 

 sunset, he and I took possession of the tent for the night 

 to avoid the moonlight, whilst Vivian preferred remaining 

 outside. He was soon disturbed from a peaceful slumber 

 by some large drops of rain falling on his face, when 

 he sought protection under the common roof from the 

 coming storm. It rapidly burst upon us with all its 

 force, and just as we began to feel uncomfortable about 

 the safety of our tent, the question was settled for us 

 by a sudden squall which started the few pegs, and down 

 it came upon our heads. Assistance was soon at hand, 

 and no one was the worse for the disaster, and it was 

 repitched before the rain did much harm. Most for- 

 tunately also no damage was done to our weapons, 

 though they were suspended from hooks round the pole,, 

 and consequently came down with a crash. Ranfurly is 

 doing his best to keep up his pluck, notwithstanding his 

 failing strength, and indeed he is now so weak that he 

 requires the support of an arm to enable him to move 

 about. Albert, on the other hand, is continually groan- 

 ing, and by his despondency he makes his prospect of 

 recovery a poor one. Hadji Basheer is now convalescent, 

 and his rapid recovery has been a source of astonish- 



